An air of raspberries

It is a week of alternating sunny days and soaking days, with the occasional mashup of sunny downpours to add spice. The humidity on the hot days is punishing and so we try to keep Lyra’s walks to the woods or the river, where at least she can jump in to cool down. A plannedContinue reading “An air of raspberries”

25 hours in a day, and the aftermath

Well Christmas was lovely. It played out as follows: I was totally whacked by 10 when, resplendent in one of the several pairs of Christmas PJs received, I stumbled off to bed (where I managed to pull a muscle rolling over!). Nothing stopped me sleeping though and I emerged today, bleary eyed but refreshed, andContinue reading “25 hours in a day, and the aftermath”

19, 20 & 21 viruses in overdrive

My “back to normal tomorrow” post on the 18th proved an extremely over optimistic prognosis. However, I am out of bed (though have had a strip ripped off me by my mum for this reckless manoeuvre). This thing has practically floored me – I’ve had shakes and shivers, bizarre fever dreams involving giant lilies, aContinue reading “19, 20 & 21 viruses in overdrive”

The milk maids are getting truculent

Another day of dismal weather and no prospect of getting out has left me grouchy. I suspect my normal, less Grinch-like, demeanour is at least 50 per cent down to getting a good distance from my nearest and dearest but with the rain set to permanent we are all lurking in the house at muchContinue reading “The milk maids are getting truculent”

Sit Rep T-4

I have decided to provide a series of brief news flash updates as the Christmas situation develops. Yesterday all was gloom. After the latest announcements, it was clear that Ishbel was stuck in Surrey on her own for the duration. She had a brief weep then volunteered to work Christmas Day and Boxing Day, swappingContinue reading “Sit Rep T-4”

Family ties

It seems we are locking down again. The nights are drawing in and, like it or no, nestling in at home will be the order of the day again, for the next few months at least. Our rules are stricter up here. Household mixing indoors is now generally a no no. As the weather isContinue reading “Family ties”

Focus group required…

I volunteered a new entertainment idea yesterday to promote family harmony. “Why not” I suggested “select a box set and watch one episode together, on the big telly, with the dog, at 7pm every night”. After some teeth sucking it was conceded that this was an OK suggestion. I had not seen Breaking Bad andContinue reading “Focus group required…”